Europe is rich in forests teeming with life. They are home to many animals such as wolves, deer, birds and hedgehogs. The inhabitants of Europe make sure that wild animals always have enough food. The practice of feeding forest animals is common in the EU. The initiative is so important that it even has a special day.

What is feeding forest animals?

Feeding forest animals is an important practice that aims to support wild animals in times of difficulty in access to food. Many wild animals that find refuge in the forest struggle to find enough food. That’s why there is a Forest Animal Feeding Day, which falls on February 11, to remind people of the need to help these creatures.

Forest Animal Feeding Day

February 11 is the Forest Animal Feeding Day. On this day, foresters, hunters and volunteers from Europe and the rest of the world prepare campaigns aimed at feeding forest animals. A frosty and snowy winter is a difficult time for wild animals. A thick layer of snow makes it difficult for animals to access their natural food. Therefore, foresters, together with hunters and volunteers from schools and NGOs, help forest animals survive the winter season. The basic activities in forests currently include: clearing forest roads and places where natural food occurs (e.g. blueberries, heather) from snow, facilitating access to natural watering holes, cutting down trees for stripping (i.e. animals gnawing the bark, e.g. deer, fallow deer). Providing juicy food - beets, carrots, potatoes and apples - protects animals against water deficiency. The food is served at permanent feeding points, such as feeders, wild boar rooting places, etc. It is also placed under trees.

Supporting animals in times of distress

Forest animals may experience periods of distress due to weather conditions such as extreme winters or loss of natural habitats due to deforestation. In such situations, regular feeding provides animals with an additional daily dose of food that helps them survive. Feeding forest animals also gives people the opportunity to observe wild animals in their natural habitat. We can observe their behaviour, feeding rituals and enjoy the beauty of wild creatures. Additionally, such an activity can serve as an excellent opportunity to educate about protecting wild animals and taking care of their environment. Forest Animal Feeding Day, which is celebrated in many countries, is an excellent opportunity to promote practices that support wild fauna.

Apples in animal feeding

One of the popular ways of feeding forest animals is to provide them with apples. Apples are valuable and tasty food for many species of animals living in the forest and play an important role in the forest ecosystem. Choosing apples as a way of feeding forest animals is justified by their high nutritional value and availability in many regions. Apples contain important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fibre, which are an important part of the diet for wildlife. Thanks to their rich taste and smell, apples attract mammals, birds and insects, which makes them an ideal meal for various species of forest animals. These fruits are also easily available to many species of forest animals. During fruiting season, wildlife often benefits from excess apples or those that have fallen to the ground. Wild deer and roe deer are especially eager to eat apples. Eating apples not only provides them with energy, but also has a beneficial effect on their digestion and health. Apples also contain natural sugar, which provides immediate energy for forest animals, especially in winter or during periods when other food sources are limited. In addition to deer and roe deer, apples are also attractive to other animal species, such as wild boars, hares and foxes.

Caring for the environment – the EU’s natural choice

In Europe, Forest Animal Feeding Day draws attention to the needs of wild animals and contributes to their well-being. Giving apples is a gentle way to help and support the diversity of the wild world. However, let us also remember that protecting the natural habitat, education and caring for the environment are equally important in the long-term protection of wild animals. That is why it is so important to promote sustainable agriculture, which is the focus of the EU. Integrated and organic crops, in accordance with which European apples are produced, are oriented towards the good of the environment and the preservation of biological diversity, which allows us to protect the environment, as well as the animals living in it, all year round.